The Stadio Olimpico plays host to both Rome football clubs Roma and Lazio whilst also seeing some of the biggest Athletics events played there in the 20th Century.

The ground was originally opened in 1937, after building started in 1928, but the development of the stadium was halted in 1940 due to the outbreak of the Second World War.

The project was re-opened in 1950 to allow the stadium to be developed and by 1953 it was finally ready to host its first match - a football clash between Italy and Hungary. And in 1960 it was a key player in the Rome Olympics with both the opening and closing ceremonies, along with various athletics disciplines, carried out within the stadium.

Prior to the 1990 Football World Cup, the ground was renovated and had its capacity extended from 65,000 to just under 83,000. In 2007, the stadium underwent further re-development to comply with the latest UEFA standards and it hosted the 2009 UEFA Champions League final.

With Rome considering bidding for the 2020 Summer Olympics and redevelopment happening at Stadio Flaminio, the Federazione Italiana Rugby confirmed that the Olimpico would host the Italian rugby side during the 2012 Six Nations.